Altostrata: Circular 3D-Printed Pavilion

Exterior design · Robotic 3D printing · 2023 · Sibiu / Singapore / Dubai

Altostrata is a travelling architectural pavilion designed by Mamou-Mani with Therme Group and fabricated by Fab.Pub. A family of curved, large-scale bioplastic modules makes a temporary public auditorium that can be dismantled, transported and reconfigured.

Fab.Pub: from digital geometry to full-scale modules

Altostrata was printed in approximately three weeks using one robotic arm in East London. The installation spans around 30 metres and uses 12 bespoke modules reaching up to 2.7 metres high. The 3D-printed truss geometry was developed around material behaviour, efficient production and assembly, with structural and material tests informing the design.

Using high-grade, sugar-based PLA, the project explores where renewable feedstocks and large-scale additive manufacturing can offer a credible alternative to conventional short-lived event construction. The panels are designed for disassembly and reconfiguration, with industrial composting a potential end-of-life route subject to suitable facilities and conditions.

Designing for more than one event

From the outset, the kit of parts was dimensioned for transport and repeat installation. Fab.Pub’s Mobile Factory research extends this approach toward distributed, localised production of architectural components.

Credits

Design: Mamou-Mani Architects
Collaborator: Therme Group
Digital fabrication: Fab.Pub
Engineering and testing collaboration: Arup
Additional production partners: AI Build and CNC Robotics

Read the full Mamou-Mani project and gallery, or speak to Fab.Pub about a large-scale project.